Dance Video Game Helps Americans Lose Weight

Now that the holidays are over, Americans are making New Year’s resolutions and looking for new ways to lose weight, and many are turning to video games for a fun, engaging solution. With In The Groove(R), players dance to energizing rock and electronic music while stepping on arrows that move in time with the music.

“As soon as I stepped on the pad and started playing, I was hooked,” raves Brooks Files from Richmond, VA. “In a period of only 3 or so months, I lost more than 40 pounds playing In The Groove(R). It has really improved my health and self-esteem.”

Originally released in arcades, the next-generation dance game In The Groove(R) proved to be incredibly popular. Now the same addictive dance play is available at home for PlayStation(R)2, with tracks by popular, signed artists and rising music groups from around the world.

In The Groove(R) has five difficulty levels, starting with a novice mode perfect for new players. The fitness mode asks you to input your weight and then tells you how many calories you have burned in a session. In The Groove(R) was awarded runner-up for IGN Entertainment’s 2005 Best Music Game of the Year for PlayStation(R)2. And for good reason – the game is easy to learn, totally addictive, great exercise, and fun for all ages.

“I’m a 26-year-old mom of three, and In The Groove(R) has helped me work off my pregnancy weight. I went from 225 to 168 in a matter of 4 months! My oldest daughter Pamela is 5 years old and she has a few novice top scores on the local machine here, too,” comments Alisson Howard from Melbourne, FL.

In The Groove(R) also features exclusive features like arrow modifiers that make the game arrows spin, change speeds, and move in 3D. With over 65 arrow modifications and 70 song titles, the game has challenges that keep even the most experienced players dancing for months.

“I especially like fitness mode, where I can choose game modifiers to get exactly the workout I need,” says Georgia De Leon from University Place, Washington. “I have lost weight and have much more energy since using ITG. My husband and I love playing ITG and getting healthier together.”

In The Groove(R) is currently available for PlayStation(R)2, and PC and Macintosh versions will be available March 1. Developed by Roxor Games and published by RedOctane, In The Groove(R) is available in toy, game and electronics stores.

Roxor Games is offering In The Groove(R) on sale through January 31 to promote post-holiday fitness. Visit http://www.inthegroove.com/ to buy the game plus a durable, officially licensed dance pad, offering the Grip Tite foam cushion bottom, for $39.99 (regularly $69.99).